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Giving gifts may be one of the greatest joys in life, but that doesn’t stop unenthusiastic co-workers and friends groaning when a Secret Santa is proposed. You can laugh off the strain of finding the perfect present with this handy guide.

We’ve included Secret Santa gift exchange ideas for family, friends, colleagues and even your boss, with ideas suitable for every budget. Unbox unique Secret Santa gifts that will make everyone wish you'd pulled their name out of the hat.

STICK TO THE BUDGET

Once you know the official budget for your Secret Santa gift exchange you can begin to work out the types of gift you're going to purchase. If you've been roped into a workplace present exchange it might mean you need to get to know a few co-workers that you didn't before, but now you have a perfect excuse to do so.

Small budgets of under £5 or £10 won’t cover a first edition of your recipient’s favourite book, but rather than trying to impress you can go down the novelty route with funny Secret Santa ideas. Satirical books, over-the-top accessories or a shockingly understated packet of crisps will get a surprised guffaw from your audience.

If you’re not feeling the humour, small beauty treatments are a smart option. Think beard oils or shaving creams for men and festive nail varnish colours and hair care for women.

When you have a bigger budget, the best way to spark the receiver's smile is to make it as personal as possible. A Secret Santa is a wonderful opportunity for you to give a friend or family member the gift they deserve this Christmas without having to budget for everyone (including that uncle you only speak to once a decade). Find Dad a special bottle of whisky from the Scottish Isles, or treat your nephew to that train set they’ve been begging for.

Even if you’ve never spoken to them outside of email, it’s fairly easy to pick out gifts for co-workers if you take a moment to observe their working style and daily habits. Need to purchase a gift for the person with the messiest desk in the office? You could help them tidy up with storage solutions. Colleagues who are always heading to the gym before work or cycling in and out of the office will appreciate a set of bath and body lotions to use in the office shower.

Those glamorous people who seem to have a new outfit every day would love a new beauty treatment: go for skincare items or men's grooming staples for the dashing man or woman in your business. For the introverted co-worker who is always looking focused, audio and technology gifts will keep them content in their cubicle.

Need a few Secret Santa gifts for men? Try sports paraphernalia, gadgets or barware accessories. Encourage him to indulge in a lazy weekend with men's nightwear. Or take the traditional route to his heart through his stomach with a food and drink hamper.